Johnson-Reed Act vs. UK ETA

Attribute	Johnson-Reed Act	UK ETA
Implementation	1924	1994
Purpose	Restricting immigration to the US	Allowing visa-free travel to the UK
Impact	Reduced immigration significantly	Facilitated tourism and business travel

Overview

The Johnson-Reed Act, also known as the Immigration Act of 1924, was a United States federal law that limited the number of immigrants who could be admitted from any country to 2% of the number of people from that country who were already living in the United States in 1890. The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals who are traveling to the United Kingdom for short stays. It was introduced in 2019 to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for travelers.

Visa Requirements

Under the Johnson-Reed Act, immigrants were required to obtain a visa to enter the United States. The Act established a quota system based on national origins, which heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe. In contrast, the UK ETA is not a visa but an electronic authorization that allows visa-exempt nationals to travel to the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to six months. Nationals from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan are eligible for the UK ETA.

Immigration Quotas

The Johnson-Reed Act set strict immigration quotas that limited the number of immigrants from certain countries, particularly those in Southern and Eastern Europe. The quotas were based on the national origins of the US population in 1890, which favored immigrants from countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland. On the other hand, the UK ETA does not impose quotas on the number of visa-exempt nationals who can enter the UK. As long as travelers meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid ETA, they can enter the UK without any restrictions.

Application Process

Applying for a visa under the Johnson-Reed Act was a lengthy and complex process that required immigrants to provide extensive documentation and undergo medical examinations. The Act also established consular processing centers in various countries to handle visa applications. In comparison, the application process for the UK ETA is simple and can be completed online. Travelers need to fill out an online form, pay a fee, and receive their ETA electronically, eliminating the need for in-person visits to a consulate or embassy.

Duration of Stay

Immigrants admitted under the Johnson-Reed Act were allowed to stay in the United States permanently and eventually apply for citizenship. The Act did not impose any time limits on their stay. In contrast, travelers entering the UK with a valid ETA can stay for up to six months for tourism, business, or transit purposes. If they wish to stay longer or engage in other activities, they may need to apply for a different type of visa or extension.

Security Measures

The Johnson-Reed Act was primarily aimed at restricting immigration based on national origins and preserving the ethnic composition of the US population. It did not include specific security measures related to border control or screening of immigrants. On the other hand, the UK ETA was introduced as part of the UK government's efforts to enhance border security and prevent illegal immigration. The ETA allows authorities to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the UK, reducing the risk of security threats.